How to identify autism positive Secondary School? (if you know South Birmingham even better)

Hello, new here. Autistic/ADHD son is at the end of year 7 and it has been difficult to say the least. He has gone from achieving well to achieving well below expectations and is in constant trouble (when he goes). The change since Primary is heartbreaking. Yes, he needs to accept support (he doesn't, is in denial and doesn't want to be one of the 'special' kids) but school are punishing him when he doesn't accept the exact support they are offering. He doesn't have an EHCP (Primary said he wouldn't qualify so didn't pursue it at the time) but feel he probably needs a fresh start as they just seem to be reprimanding him for every tiny thing now as he has a reputation and constantly threatening exclusion. How do I know which schools will be actually supportive of his needs? On paper his current one should have been. I don't really have local networks as they seem to meet during the day when I am at work (also in a school so can't just take a day off). To make matters worse he doesn't want to leave as his friends are there but he really is on his last life and don't know if it is better to leave before being pushed.

Parents
  • Hi Whatselfcare, 

    I am sorry to hear that your child is finding secondary school difficult. I have added information on how to access our education resources and education helplines that may be of interest to you.

    Please visit our online advice and guidance which explains more about getting extra help in school, assessments, education plans, reviews and school transport for England: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/education/extra-help-at-school/england   

    If you require further support, you may like to contact the following regional organisations:  

    • Every local area has a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Service that can provide information, advice and support to parents and carers of children and young people with SEND, including on exclusions:  www.kids.org.uk/sendiass  
    • Independent Provider of Special Education Advice is a registered charity that offers free and independent information, advice and support to help get the right education for children and young people with all kinds of SEND: www.ipsea.org.uk/   
    •  Coram’s Child Law Advice service can be accessed through their website or contacted on 0300 330 5485 from Monday to Friday, 8am – 6pm: childlawadvice.org.uk/.../  
    • SOS!SEN offers a free, term-time, national helpline, staffed by a team of volunteers, to provide next step advice and support on questions and issues parents may have relating to their child’s SEN provision: https://sossen.org.uk/services/helpline/ Their helpline number is 0208 538 3731 

    Kind Regards,
    Rosie Mod

Reply
  • Hi Whatselfcare, 

    I am sorry to hear that your child is finding secondary school difficult. I have added information on how to access our education resources and education helplines that may be of interest to you.

    Please visit our online advice and guidance which explains more about getting extra help in school, assessments, education plans, reviews and school transport for England: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/education/extra-help-at-school/england   

    If you require further support, you may like to contact the following regional organisations:  

    • Every local area has a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Service that can provide information, advice and support to parents and carers of children and young people with SEND, including on exclusions:  www.kids.org.uk/sendiass  
    • Independent Provider of Special Education Advice is a registered charity that offers free and independent information, advice and support to help get the right education for children and young people with all kinds of SEND: www.ipsea.org.uk/   
    •  Coram’s Child Law Advice service can be accessed through their website or contacted on 0300 330 5485 from Monday to Friday, 8am – 6pm: childlawadvice.org.uk/.../  
    • SOS!SEN offers a free, term-time, national helpline, staffed by a team of volunteers, to provide next step advice and support on questions and issues parents may have relating to their child’s SEN provision: https://sossen.org.uk/services/helpline/ Their helpline number is 0208 538 3731 

    Kind Regards,
    Rosie Mod

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